Regional

7:58 am

Mon October 10, 2011

8 Dona Ana County Jail Detainees Have Infection

Dona Ana County, New Mexico – LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRWG) Eight of the about 850 detainees at the Dona Ana County Detention Center reportedly have been diagnosed with a highly contagious, drug-resistant bacterial infection.

The Las Cruces Sun-News (http://bit.ly/ne96xR) says MRSA is a potentially dangerous type of staph bacteria that's resistant to certain antibiotics and may cause skin and other infections.

Some say they're afraid the infection could spread to officers or the world outside the walls of the jail.

Detention Director Chris Barela says the jail is aware of the situation and people shouldn't worry about an outbreak.

A state epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health says jails are an environment where MRSA can transmit fairly easily.

Dr. Mack Sewell also says health officials see similar situations throughout the state's detention centers "several times a year."